Terreberrys help community, nation in their own way

October 20, 2012

Making a difference doesn't have to be a one-day event. There are opportunities year round that members of the community such as Bob and Irene Terreberry strive to take advantage of or create themselves, they said.

"The reason we got into this (hosting benefits) is because our daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 26," said Mrs. Terreberry, of Maple Springs. "I think there are so many wonderful programs out there to support, and I think you have to find your passion. For us, breast-cancer support is our passion. So, every year we have done something to support breast-cancer research."

"It's not just for our daughter though," added Terreberry. "It's for our granddaughters, our nieces and our friends. It's the logical thing for us to do, because you have to have a passion, and this is ours."

Article Photos

Irene and Bob Terreberry of Maple Springs make every day a make a difference day.P-J photo by Dusten Rader

Some of the programs that the Terreberrys have supported in the past include Susan G. Komen For The Cure, The Avon Walk, the fundraiser for digital mammography at WCA, St. Timothy's Lutheran Church Honduras mission, Zonta Club scholarships and more.

"We don't have money to donate, but we have time," said Terreberry.

The most recent fundraiser that the Terreberrys hosted was a sit-in at Friendly's in which Terreberry camped outside the restaurant until he sold 2,500 bracelets.

"All along it was a team effort," said Mrs. Terreberry. "It wasn't just Bob sitting there, it was him, plus our committee and the community."

"It was the right thing at the right time," added Terreberry. "It got people's interest because it was funny, it was crazy and it was freezing. It worked out well because it was different, and people could do it. Maybe you can't do a walk, or don't have time to put together a basket or auction, but you could stop by for five minutes to buy a bracelet. The really neat thing about it was that there were a lot of survivors there who wanted to share their stories and help too."

The Terreberrys next program will be on Tuesday at Friendly's. During the sit-in coupons were passed out that can be used at Friendly's "Fun Night," in which 15 percent of participants' bills will fund the Terreberrys fundraising effort to join the Avon Walk. Each participant in the Avon Walk must raise $1,800 to donate to the cause. The Avon Walk has raised more than $440 million since it started in 2003.

"It's a nice way for those who can't donate to go out for a meal and still be helping," said Mrs. Terreberry.

The Terreberrys will also host a program at the Lillian Vitanza Ney Renaissance Center in March called "Every Little Black Dress Needs A Pink Ribbon." The program is still in its planning stages, so more information will be released at a later date.